Terell Stafford (tpt); Tim Warfield (ten); Bruce Barth (pno); Peter Washington (bs); Dana Hall (dms).
(Review by Lance).
I know that June is but yet in its infancy and no doubt there are many more CDs winging their way to BSH HQ but I'll be amazed if any one of them comes within shouting distance of this celebration of Lee Morgan - one of jazz's many cause célèbres.
Terell Stafford is perfectly equipped to step into Morgan's shoes blowing with the same panache and assurance of the role model albeit with his own slant on the music.
"When you hear these songs where a bar has been set so high, you better just be yourself." So says Stafford and he loses nothing by doing just that.
Ably abetted in the frontline by Warfield who displays all the qualities required in this situation, ie lyricism and gutsy virility, plus telling contributions by Barth; Washington and Hall, Stafford ensures that the music of the era lives on today.
If I use the old expression Cooking with Gas I can guarantee it will never be more apt - this is Cooking with the most capital of Cs!
Seven of the nine tracks are compositions by Morgan: Hocus Pocus; Mr Kenyatta; Petty Larceny; Yes I Can, No You Can't; Stop Start; Carolyn (lyricism personified) and Speedball.
Stafford provided Favor and the old standard Candy was given a delicate muted treatment.
Terell Stafford - Brotherlee Love will be available on Capri Records from June 16.
The band are playing the Village Vanguard until June 7 if you happen to be in NYC.
Lance.
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